Jerry Jay Smith

Jerry Smith, 85, passed away peacefully at his home, July 18, 2024. Jerry was born in Pittsfield, MA on March, 1939. He grew up on a small farm in Lee, MA with parents Caryl Smith and Otto Smith. In 1957 he enlisted in the Navy and served on various submarines, including the Nautilus. It was during his 6 years in the Navy where he discovered his lifelong passion for SCUBA diving. On August 15, 1977 he married Joanne Fillio (Jo) of Otis, MA and spent the next 47 blissful years proudly married, telling anyone who would listen, that she was his “angel”. He enjoyed and taught various outdoor adventure sports, including SCUBA diving and hang-gliding. Jerry and Jo opened a SCUBA store in Pittsfield, MA, now known as AST Scuba. Over the next 32 years he and Jo worked side by side, educating others, sharing their love for the beauty and mystery of the underwater world. He’s also credited for training emergency responders and establishing the Berkshire County Dive & Rescue Team, which began as a volunteer rescue team for all under water related emergencies. It has since grown and been restructured, with an end goal of a Regional Dive Team. Jerry was more comfortable in the water than on land and had even been known to occasionally take short naps while SCUBA diving at decompression stops. In 2014 he sold the business to his oldest daughter, Laurie, who also shared his passion. She continues to train the next generation of underwater explorers and support the public safety community. In his later years, Jerry and Jo moved to South Carolina and choose a new hobby of beekeeping and even making bee boxes. Although his love for SCUBA was strong, his love and pride for his family was above no other. Preceded in death by his parents and younger brother David Smith. He leaves behind his beloved wife, Jo Smith, and his children Laurie Rock, Renae Perotti, Brandon Smith, along with Christine Jorolemon and Jay Smith from previous relationships, his adored goddaughters, Amanda Bowers, Kristin LeSueur and five grandchildren. To celebrate Jerry’s remarkable life, there will be two memorial services held for family, friends and extended scuba family: SOUTH CAROLINA: Tuesday August 27, 2024 from 5:00 pm – 6:00 PM at Travelers Rest Funeral Home with a 6:00 pm Celebration of Life Service in the Chapel, 113 North Poinsett Highway, Travelers Rest, South Carolina 29690 MASSACHUSETTS: Memorial Services on Saturday October 26, 2024 at 2:00 pm at Dery Funeral Home, 54 Bradford Street, Pittsfield, Massachusetts. **In lieu of traditional mourning, we request the joy of your company in bright colors, reflecting Jerry’s vibrant spirit and enduring impact on our community and hearts. 'Lovingly Submitted by the family.'

Jerry Jay Smith

March 11, 1939 - July 18, 2024